According to a Polish government statement, Poland is a significant producer of fruit and vegetables, and it is the EU leader in the production of apples and soft fruit such as sour cherries, raspberries, chokeberries, and currants, as well as one of the leading producers of highbush blueberries and strawberries.
The Polish agri-food business, particularly the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, has several advantages, including cheap costs, outstanding product quality as evidenced by certifications, long-term practice and experience, and advanced processing lines and formulae. This industry, especially its apple sector, is now looking to expand into the Indian market.
According to a Polish government statement, Poland is a significant producer of fruit and vegetables, and it is the EU leader in the production of apples and soft fruit such as sour cherries, raspberries, chokeberries, and currants, as well as one of the leading producers of highbush blueberries and strawberries.
The products of Polish gardens and orchards are highly valued by both local and foreign consumers, and are synonymous with pleasant, nutritious, and safe food. Poland has the largest orchard acreage in Europe — over 176,000 acres (over 33 percent of the orchard area in Europe). Poland shipped over 1 million tons of fruit to practically every country in the globe in 2020.
Poland is the world’s largest apple exporter (1st producer in the EU and 3rd global producer). In 2020, apple production was estimated to be at 3.4 million tons, with an export volume of 657 thousand tons. According to the statement, the European Union receives more than half of all apple exports (about 52 percent).
“Polish apples are becoming increasingly popular across the world, with more nations opening up to imports from Poland. As a result, we anticipate that the year 2021 will provide even greater results “the statement said.
“It is worth noting that we are the primary EU and global leader and exporter of frozen fruits and vegetables.” Poland exports around 69 percent of its frozen vegetable production and 93 percent of its frozen fruit production. Poland is also one of the biggest producers of processed fruit. “Our primary export kinds include canned fruit, jams, fruit preserves, plum jams, pastes, dried fruit and concentrates, and many more,” according to the statement.
“We would want to draw attention to the considerable negative balance in Polish agri-food trade with India, which has continued for many years.” “It is worth noting that we are the primary EU and global leader and exporter of frozen fruits and vegetables.” Poland exports around 69 percent of its frozen vegetable production and 93 percent of its frozen fruit production. Poland is also one of the biggest producers of processed fruit. “Our primary export kinds include canned fruit, jams, fruit preserves, plum jams, pastes, dried fruit and concentrates, and many more,” according to the statement.
“We would want to draw attention to the considerable negative balance in Polish agri-food trade with India, which has continued for many years. In 2020, Indian exporters exported items to Poland for EUR 111 million, while Polish exporters sold products to India for EUR 11.3 million, the great bulk of which came from the sale of apples (approx.. EUR 4,5 million). “
Poland is now negotiating with Indian officials to obtain a license to export blueberries to India. The opening of this market for Polish blueberries would provide the Indian industry the opportunity to offer a high-quality product known for its various health advantages. Blueberries available on the Indian market are primarily from South America (e.g., Chile), thus Indian consumers will be able to learn about the benefits of blueberries from Poland.
Receiving clearance for the export of Polish blueberries to India would have a favourable impact on the positive trend of fresh fruit sales in the Indian market, as well as lessen the negative balance in the agri-food sector.